Winter camping is a special kind of camping that is a challenge for many people. But those who embark on the adventure will be rewarded with a unique experience of nature. When winter camping, there are a few things to consider in order to get through the cold season safely and warmly. In this checklist, we will look at the most important tips and tricks for winter camping and what to look out for to get the most out of this extraordinary experience.
TIPS FOR WINTER CAMPING
1. HEATING CORRECTLY
When winter camping, it is important to heat properly as the temperatures outside can be very low and you want to be at a comfortable temperature inside your motorhome or camper van. Insufficient heating can cause the water in the pipes to freeze, causing damage to the vehicle. Therefore, it is important to regulate the heating properly and ensure sufficient ventilation to achieve the optimum heat output while ensuring safety.
• First start the heating, then close the boiler drain valve after 30 minutes (otherwise the frost protection switch will not stop when the valve is cold).
• When heating up, open the doors and flaps of the cupboards to distribute the heat evenly (advantage: clothes are heated at the same time).
• Always keep warm air vents clear
• Ventilate several times a day (to prevent humidity and heat loss).
• Leave the heating on when leaving the vehicle
2. SNOW AND ICE
When winter camping, it is important to prepare for the special challenges that snowfall and icy conditions bring. Good preparation starts with choosing the right campsite or pitch. It is advisable to choose a site that is well cleared and gritted to minimise the risk of falls and accidents.
• Attach the chimney shield to the side wall at the exhaust chimney (dripping water, no ice formation directly on the vehicle).
• In case of snowfall: remove snow from the roof before driving on.
• Switch on the underfloor heating (if installed in the vehicle; only works with an external 230 V connection).
• After the warm-up phase, lay out a carpet (if available).
• Always keep the fresh water tank 2/3 full (do not empty to the minimum level, as this prevents the water from freezing when the vehicle is in motion).
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• If possible, leave the waste water tank open so that the waste water can drain off (use a bucket to collect the waste water, otherwise there is a risk of ice forming in the roll tank).
3. STORAGE
It is important to properly store a motorhome or camper van for the winter to protect it from frost, moisture and other weather conditions. When the vehicle is immobilised, drain all water and pipes:
• Empty fresh water tank
• Empty waste water tank
• Empty waste-holding tank
• Empty the heating boiler
• Empty water pipes and toilet flushes
• Leave water taps open - Attention: Switch off 12 V supply
Here you can download, print, and tick off our checklist.
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